County board continues LEC upgrade discussion

Wednesday

Oct 3, 2012 at 9:16 PMOct 3, 2012 at 9:18 PM

The Redwood County Board of Commissioners is moving forward one step at a time toward its vision to upgrade the law enforcement center (LEC) facility. A building project proposal update was presented by John McNamara of Wold Architects at its meeting Tuesday, and, according to McNamara the project is on schedule as it moves toward schematic design approval.

By Troy KrauseEditor

The Redwood County Board of Commissioners is moving forward one step at a time toward its vision to upgrade the law enforcement center (LEC) facility.A building project proposal update was presented by John McNamara of Wold Architects at its meeting Tuesday, and, according to McNamara the project is on schedule as it moves toward schematic design approval.“We are continuing to meet with the core planning group in October and are on track to present a schematic design in November,” said McNamara, who added those meetings have led to some refinements, such as narrowing of walkways and changes in layout.According to Randy Hanson, Redwood County sheriff, the group continues to work through the plans, adding representatives of the City of Redwood Falls have been involved in the meetings providing input.The plan would include the expansion of an area for the sheriff’s department, with the current administrative area being dedicated to the police department.The current plan also includes a video visiting area, which Hanson said would mean visitors could speak with prisoners via video without those in jail having to leave the day area.“I feel we are moving in the right direction to keep us on track,” said McNamara.In other action during its meeting, the county board:• Approved moving forward as part of a class action law suit against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which did not pay in state deed tax when they recorded homes which had been purchased claiming they were exempt.A recent case in Michigan, said Steve Collins, Redwood County attorney, found they in fact did have to pay that tax. Hennepin County is taking the lead on the suit on behalf of the other Minne-sota counties, and Collins said the county would only have to provide payment if there are funds received as a result of the suit.• Heard an update on the swayback bridge from Willy Rabenberg, county engineer, who said the plans are still at the bridge office awaiting final approval.